We were lucky to catch up with Ramona Schwartz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ramona, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I never thought I would ever open my own business let alone be in the tattoo and beauty industry but here I am!

My journey was interesting, I was content in my career as a Certified Surgical First Assist/Surgical Tech. However, after learning to tattoo and being certified in permanent makeup, my parents and husband saw something more in me. They begin to push me into really considering opening a studio.

Heartbreak happened, my father fell very ill and I lost him on March 29th of 2021 and I was devastated. He was of my biggest fans and supporters. He passed away with the last thing he said was, “those things on your arm, they’re beautiful, you’re gonna go far.” (referring to my tattoos). So, that week, April 1st, I signed the lease at the last place we toured. With my mom and husband by my side, we dove in to set up my new business venture.
It hasn’t been easy diving head first but I have had an amazing support system and some INCREDIBLE clients that have shown so much kindness. Which brings me to my next “risk”. My look, aesthetic, is not conventional and after going through years of being judged based on appearance, I was very nervous to put myself out there. I mean, what would my beautiful permanent makeup clients think of this tattooed, blue or green haired creature that I am? To my surprise, they appreciated me and never judged, in fact some even bring me gifts simple because they saw something quirky and thought of me.
A year and a half into my business, I am still going strong and added more services. I am now certified for body contouring and certified for neurotoxin injections and backed by a medical director.

Take the jump, you never know whats waiting for you. Lastly, love the ones that love you and help the ones you can but, don’t ever hurt them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I had a career, I’m a Certified Surgical First Assist/Surgical Tech. Orthopedic and Plastic surgery was my passion and I was fortunate to have been able to work along side some of the best surgeons in the city. Shout out to Dr. Rogers, Dr. Etlinger, and the late (but great) Dr. Kayruz, for helping me with my schooling and training. 11 years in, my career was set with art being a hobby and past time.
I started learning how to tattoo as a new way to be creative and when Covid hit, I took Permanent Makeup classes and got certified. Still, all of that was a hobby as I had no intention of ever leaving my place in the O.R.
After opening my studio, I took on more schooling/training and became certified for body contouring and neurotoxin injections. With my medical background, I feel confident in offering those.
No matter how many times I perform any service I offer, I never get complacent and keep learning through articles and video.

I am most proud of the compliments and messages I receive from clients expressing how I’ve helped them. This message I received, ” And not just tattoos.. you help people feel better about themselves physically, so emotionally they heal..” and “I never trusted or was happy with any of my tattoos until I met you..”. These messages keep me going, I have had many people open up to me during sessions and I am so greatful in the amount of trust and comfort they have with me.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My parents were never fond of tattoos but after seeing some of my work, they admitted I had some talent. Both began pushing me to look into opening a business. Half heartedly, I agreed but still stayed in the Operating room setting as I had been working with the Spurs team physicians and loved my job. I wasn’t ready to take a dive into leaving my comfort zone but I toured studios with my parents and gave the idea a little more seriousness but stillscared out of my mind. Afterall, leaving a stable job with stable pay to open my own business with no client base, thats not easy, especially for someone with anxiety. But after my dads passing, I felt I had to give it a real shot as he was so excited about me possibly owning my own business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my life, I have often had to explain why I dress the way I do and my interests. This has been obstacle even when working in the O.R. But, after years of proving myself, my image didn’t matter because I cared about my patients and took every surgery seriously. When I decided to open my business, that was a whole new animal because now I would be working with people that were wide awake and not under anesthesia. I was not sure how I would be accepted in the “beauty” world of permanent makeup. I trusted that my personality would win them over, luckily it did. I’ve always found beauty in the macabre and also in vintage art so, my appearance often reflects that. Recently, I was a target for discrimination based on my appearance. A staff member at my daughters Catholic school singled me out in public humiliation by making me stand across from the sidewalk while other parents got to stay put. Boy was I embarassed and hurt because of all places, one should feel welcome at a church. Nonetheless, my green/blue hair and tattoos form peoples opinions before meeting me.

I won’t change who I am and teach my daughter that some of the most looking books, might be the best ones and lastly, be a good person and the rest will take care of itself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkstheticsstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066339357156
• Other: Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@mschwartz88

Image Credits
Mona Schwartz